Jesse Eisenberg to play negative role in Batman/Superman film

Los Angeles: `The Social Network` star Jesse Eisenberg is all set to play Superman`s arch enemy Lex Luther in the Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck starrer movie.

While actor Jeremy Irons has also been cast as Bruce Wayne`s butler Alfred in Zack Snyder directed Warner Bros movie, reported Us magazine.

"Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman`s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940," director Snyder said in a press release about the casting.

"What`s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He`s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth, and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman," the director said.

The director said: "Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions."

Snyder said Alfred as a noble guardian and father figure is critical element in Bruce Wayne`s transformation into Batman.

"It is an honor to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious facade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne," Snyder said about the 65-year-old Oscar-winning actor.

Other than Eisenberg, Irons, Cavill and Affleck, the film stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Diane Lane, and Gal Gadot, who will take on the role of Wonder Woman.